Eat, drink, and be merry. The Christmas commandment is clear. It doesn’t specify how much cooking, cleaning, and decorating goes into the holiday feast. This year, save the effort for making gingerbread men — or selecting the perfect kitschy sweater. These San Antonio restaurants are open on the big day to assist with the rest.
Casa Catrina
This River Walk restaurant is decorated for another holiday — Día de los Muertos — but that’s just fine for those who avoid putting elves on the shelf. Street tacos are the main specialty, served with a choice of seven salsas. Guests may also be interested in getting sauced on the punchy margaritas.
4-11 pm.
Cavalier
If ever there were a time to indulge in a 40-ounce Tomahawk, surely it’s the holiday season. This downtown hotel also excels at brasserie staples like coq au vin and duck breast served with cassoulet.
5-10 pm.
Chama Gaúcha
Merry meatmas! This locally owned churrascaria chain doesn’t break any molds, delivering the expected glut of fire-roasted proteins and accompaniments. But having one’s stockings filled with picanha and lamb is inherently celebratory.
5-10 pm.
Corinne
All of the desserts at this swanky spot are priced at $10. Go ahead and share them all. Before the crescendo, enjoy a hearty menu showcasing Southwestern and indigenous ingredients. The Navajo fry bread with whipped brown butter is spectacular.
6:30 am-10 pm.
Dashi Sichuan Kitchen + Bar
Long a Jewish-American tradition, eating Chinese food on Christmas Day is now a yearly ritual practiced regardless of faith. Sure, take-out options abound, but the holiday spirit requires a little more pomp. Dashi plugs in the twinkle lights with an elegant setting, potent cocktails, and a whimsical take on classic Sichuan fare.
11 am-9 pm.
Dean’s Steak & Seafood
Why let the decorations take all the shine? Deck yourself out and enjoy a meal at one of Alamo City’s swankiest destinations. The Christmas Day special includes a creative take on the traditional meal, but guests can also dive into the full steak and seafood menu.
5-10 pm.
Domingo
Although it may be too chilly to enjoy the River Walk-facing patio, the indoor dining areas will create a cozy Christmas. Warm up to braised short rib served with tomatillo and habanero ashes or slow-roasted pork shoulder scented with a citrus-achiote marinade.
6:30-10 pm.
Landrace
With apologies to Normal Rockwell, the Yuletide feast doesn’t have to include a giant roast meat. A burger can feel just as celebratory. Chef Steve McHugh’s Texas Wagyu version is topped with thick bacon, a sheet of gruyere, and aioli. Pair it with a maple old-fashioned and watch the visions of sugarplums dance in your head.
7 am-9 pm.
Paesano’s River Walk
How does Santa Claus visit millions of homes in a night? Constant carb-loading. Fuel a holiday marathon with fried calamari, burrata bruschetta, and lobster ravioli. Then, sprint through downtown’s dazzling display.
11 am-10 pm.
Range
Giddy yap, giddy yap, giddy yap, let’s go. Chef Jason Dady’s Texas-style prix fixe includes herb-roasted turkey breast, wild mushroom bread stuffing, Brussels sprouts, and more. A kids menu is provided for smaller appetites, and wine pairings are available to get adults ring-ting-tingling, too.
Noon-8 pm.
Supper
One could easily imagine Charles Dickens supping amongst the handsome leather banquettes and glowing lighting of this Hotel Emma anchor. The Christmas menu is fittingly old-fashioned. Enjoy spiral-cut ham with a pineapple glaze and fixings or a Feast of the Seven Fishes-inspired cioppino with lemon linguine for $65.
10 am-8 pm.
